Trump says he won't run for governor

Celebrity billionaire Donald Trump said today that he won't run for governor, citing the inability of the Republican Party to unite around his candidacy.

"While I won't be running for Governor of New York State, a race I would have won, I have much bigger plans in mind- stay tuned, will happen!" Trump said via Twitter at 5:41 p.m.

It appeared increasingly unlikely in recent weeks that Trump wasn't going to run for governor.

He said he would need the GOP to clear the field of potential Republican challengers, and last week Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino entered the race to challenge Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

"I have clearly stated that if the New York State Republican Party is able to unify, I would run for Governor and win. They can't unify -SAD!" Trump said earlier today on Twitter.

Trump initially dismissed last fall that he run for governor against Cuomo, but he became interested in the race after a number of GOP officials tried to persuade him to run. They cited his name recognition and money as a viable challenge to Cuomo.

Trump seized on the exposure, doing major fundraising events for the local parties in Erie and Onondaga counties.

With Trump out and no other potential candidates, it appears the field is cleared for Astorino versus Cuomo in November. Although Carl Paladino, the 2010 gubernatorial candidate, said he may challenge Astorino.